Very simple. Go to the bank and tell them the exact property address, size of unit, furnished/non furnished....get their valuation. Get from 2 banks.

Then, contact agents, go for viewings ho humm ho very nice very nice, and then give your budget, max I will pay = Bank valuation - (2-3% of selling price).

Because 2-3% is agent commission, so you're now tapping into buyers selling price. Agents commissions are ridiculous, some of them asking 3% now, don't know if its the standard, but still find it ridiculous.

You want a motivated seller. So the prices listed on the website are just sellers 'fishing', you can be sure for a 1mill property, can slash another 30-40k at least. But always use bank valuation as benchmark. And tell the agent, this is the bank valuation for this price, for this unit - you've done your homework.

Next, tell them - this is my price. Call me if owner agrees and I'll give you the cheque the next day. If they call back and match it - you got a good deal.

To the agents who say you must buy if you view, yadayadaya, tell them to stuff it. Many many agents out there, this is the buyers market.